“Dai-ichi Life D.LEAGUE 20-21” begins

2020.11.17

D.LEAGUE, a professional dance league originating in Japan, which aims to develop and popularize dance in Japan and produce dance professionals, will open on January 10, 2021.
Prior to the event, a press conference was held in Tokyo on November 15th. D.LEAGUE CEO Takefumi Hirano, Chief Creative Advisor EXILE HIRO, and COO Kantaro Kanda were in attendance, and each team participating in "D.LEAGUE" also appeared and performed a dance performance.
This time, we spoke to D.League representative Hirano and other team directors about their enthusiasm.

Takefumi Hirano, CEO of D.League Inc.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fullcast Holdings Co., Ltd. He started working in the industry. He declared that he would quit his job as a company employee in three years, and retired as planned. He started a private tutoring service in 1987, and founded Fullcast Co., Ltd. in October 1992.
The company was listed on JASDAQ in June 2001 and on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in September 2004. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors. His belief is that "everyone has a place to shine."

D.LEAGUE was established with the desire to create a place where dancers' dreams can come true. Other athletes, singers, actors, etc. have opportunities to play leading roles, butThere are no dancers.Even HIRO, who is active worldwide, apparently struggled when he was younger. From now on, I want to create a place where dancers can clearly see their future through D.LEAGUE, where they can come together and compete as a sport and where they can dream.
Even if you're not a dancer, you can enjoy watching it, and its appeal isn't based on winning or losing. I started dancing to create something to talk about with my daughter, but I gradually became drawn to the depth of dance and became obsessed with it - how good it feels to move your body, how it's harder than it looks, and how much concentration is required to remember the choreography.
In the past, people who danced had a slightly dark image. However, times have changed, and with dance now being incorporated into school education, the joy of moving your body to music is spreading. As the number of people dancing has increased, I hope that the appeal of dance will be better conveyed through D.LEAGUE.
Going forward, we plan to recruit teams from each region and expand nationwide. Also, since D.LEAGUE is the first of its kind in the world, we are considering expanding it globally.
In fact, Japan has a high level of dance and is a leading country in the field. Because of the strong sense of cooperation and solidarity, Japanese performances are overwhelming when it comes to team competitions. However, it is currently difficult to make a living solely as a dancer in Japan, so everyone is leaving to go out into the world. For this reason, I hope that D.LEAGUE will become a platform where dancers can thrive in Japan.
I think there are many university students who are currently taking dance seriously, but I think some will quit dancing after graduation and get a job, or give up on the idea of dancing as a career and just think of it as a hobby.
I hope that more people will aim to become professional dancers through D.LEAGUE and achieve their dreams. Also, the content is enjoyable even for people who don't dance, so please look forward to future D.LEAGUE.
(Aki Kawanami, 3rd year student at Tsuda University)

RIEHATA "Avex ROYALBRATS"

Born in August 1990 in Niigata Prefecture. Producer of "RIEHATATOKYO." He began taking dance lessons in the sixth grade of elementary school. He moved to the United States alone at the age of 16 and spent much of his time there until he was 19, mastering a variety of dance genres. After returning to Japan, he brought a breath of fresh air to the Japanese dance scene with his overwhelming groove and diverse expressiveness. At the same time, he promoted "SWAG" as a cutting-edge style, and has gained immense support, not only as a dancer but also as a style icon. He has been active both domestically and internationally, holding workshops around the world, choreographing for numerous artists, appearing in music videos, and appearing on TV.

Due to the effects of COVID-19, I have been in Japan for a long time, so I decided to participate in the event to help liven up Japan. I also wanted to show a new view to everyone in my team and disciples, RIEHATATOKYO.
Of course, I want to come out on top if I'm participating, but because this is a major project that the entire dance world is taking on, I also feel a strong desire to support it with all my might. Unlike baseball or soccer, I don't think there are many places where the general public can support dance. Club events might have a slightly scary image, and in the dance world as a whole, it's still not very well known. That's why I thought that if we could hold a competition like D.LEAGUE that people can support in their living rooms, it would help more people become aware of dance.
Dance is an amazing sport, and everyone puts in a lot of effort to become cool. I hope dancers will be respected more as athletes. When you try to do multiple things at the same time (for students, exams, part-time work, injury rehabilitation, etc.), there will be times when you have to take a break from something else. But I hope you don't take that negatively. Even if you're taking a break from one thing, the time you spend working hard at something else will definitely help you grow as a person. I hope you can think positively and realize that if you overcome that, you'll become a cooler version of yourself.
When I got pregnant and had to take a break from dancing, I was very scared because I thought, "If I take a year off from dancing, I'll look really different from everyone else." But after working hard at raising my child, when I finally got to dance again after a long time, someone said to me, "You have a cool aura." After all, if you work hard, you become cooler and your face changes. Taking a break to work hard at something is never a bad thing. Even if it's something different, as long as you work hard, there's nothing but growth. I want you to remember that.
(Shunsuke Miyata, 1st year student at Keio University)

KEITA TANAKA "KADOKAWA DREAMS"

He is the man behind the revolution in the dance scene since 2000. He established a new standard as the leader of BASE HEADS, an unrivaled force in the street scene. He has a wealth of experience performing with a wide range of artists in Japan, and is extremely well-known among the general public. He is also involved in a wide range of activities, including producing numerous events, producing music, and producing video, as well as producing his own apparel brand. He is an extremely valuable presence, garnering passionate support from across various cultures including dance, music, and fashion. Keep an eye on how he will manage the D.LEAGUE.

Eight teams, excluding KADOKAWA DREAMS, have already confirmed their participation in D.LEAGUE, and a press release has already been issued. I was suddenly offered the position of director of the ninth team. The pre-conference was on November 15th, and I received the offer at the end of September. I thought there was no way we could create a team in such a short space of time, but I readily accepted the offer because D.LEAGUE's philosophy was so great and KADOKAWA was the company I would work with to create the team. The establishment of a professional dance league was a first in history, so the idea of opening the door to history was very appealing, but I knew I had to be prepared for the corresponding backlash. However, I am honored to be listed as a director of other teams that continue to make great achievements in Japan, based on such a great philosophy.
Furthermore, KADOKAWA's corporate philosophy is "timeless fashion," which means challenging new things despite its long history. By combining my own policy of "learning from the past to create something new" and using KADOKAWA's media infrastructure, I thought I could launch the joy of dance to people who haven't yet recognized it. How can I deliver it visually, audibly, and tactilely? For example, if a favorite song is used, people might feel closer to it. I think it would be great if we could create a "hook" that connects people to dance. I also want to deliver satellite dramas. Behind the two-minute battle lies the hidden story of those who didn't become regulars. Catching up on that is one of the hidden joys of D.LEAUGE.
I hope that all university students will be able to apply what they have learned at university when they enter society at large. The thought processes I acquired at university have become the logic that has helped me get closer to my dreams. I hope that you will learn as much as you can and use it to help you move in the direction you want to go. I would be happy if dance was one of those things.
(Nanami Sugai, 3rd year student at Meiji Gakuin University)

ISSEI "KOSÉ 8ROCKS"

ISSEI began dancing at the age of six, attending the dance school "STUDIO MJ" in Fukuoka. He is also the leader of STUDIO MJ's breaking team, "Kyushu Danshi Shinsengumi." He discovered "FOUND NATION" through his instructor, SHUVAN, and became a member. In 2012, he won the solo division at "R16 KOREA," one of the world's leading breaking competitions. He then achieved the remarkable feat of winning three consecutive years in 2013 and 2014. ISSEI's success continued, and in 2016, he and his teammates WINGZERO and RYO-FLOW became the first Japanese to win the "Freestyle Session World Final." The following month, he achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest person in the world and the first Japanese to win the "Red Bull BC One World Final."

I started dancing when I was six years old, and before I knew it, I wanted to work in dance. So when I heard about D.LEAGUE, I thought it would be fun and I really wanted to try competing in a professional dance league. I think the teams competing this time are very strong, but I want to win at all costs. Also, the breaking that we do isIt has been provisionally decided that it will be included as an event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. I want to spread the word about breaking to many people through D.LEAGUE. Ever since I started this team, I've wanted to make it a popular team. I think street dance has become more well-known in recent years, but I feel that the genre of breaking is still not well-known. I want D.LEAGUE to be the catalyst for people, both those who dance and those who don't, to think of KOSÉ 8ROCKS when they think of breaking. Also, street dancers have had few opportunities to be exposed in the media, so I want people who are currently dancing to know that D.LEAGUE is a place where they can take on the challenge.
As a dancer, if you don't know what you want to do right now, I think it's important to simply find something you like and try it. It would also be good if you could find some friends at that time, rather than thinking too much about it alone. I myself started dancing because a friend of mine was dancing, and I admired the way she danced. My friends have had a big influence on me in being able to continue. I've been able to get this far with the support of so many people. If you find friends, cherish them and enjoy dancing together. When you're devoted to something, there are probably times when you lose sight of what's going on around you, but that's what you love, and what you want to do.
(Taichi Saotome, second-year student at Bunkyo University)

FISHBOY “CyberAgent Legit”

He began to stand out in his early teens, winning numerous national dance contests across all generations as part of black DOGS. He also began winning solo battles from around the age of 20, achieving rapid growth. He has also won the world championships "JUSTE DEBOUT WORLD FINAL 2009" and "SDK EUROPE 2011," and after appearing on TV and in other media, he formed RADIO FISH. After a year of activity, "PERFECT HUMAN" became a huge hit. He won the Cable Topic Award at the Japan Cable Awards and the Planning Award at the 58th Japan Record Awards, and also performed at the Red and White Song Battle. He is a street dancer who moves between being a player and a creator, and between the underground and mainstream scenes.

"I want to inspire dreams." This is my main reason for joining D.LEAGUE. People's motivations for starting something vary depending on whether they're a child, a young adult, or an adult. Preschoolers start because their parents want them to. Adults start because of benefits (health, social interaction, weight loss, etc.). The biggest motivation for teenagers and people in their twenties to start something is "dreams." This means a desire to achieve something. As part of my work, I've helped inspire both children and adults to take up dance. This time, I want to have the younger generation watch the D.LEAGUE and inspire them to dream of dance, just as I once watched the J.LEAGUE and briefly thought, "I want to become a soccer player!"
I'm not a member of the team to choreograph, but rather to develop the team's talent. "From dancers to professionals that society can be proud of." I want to produce leaders from the dance world who will lead society. To me, the definition of a professional is "someone who can respond to someone's needs to the best of their ability, using their own individuality and abilities." I believe that this sense is extremely important in becoming a leader who can lead society.
My immediate goal is to win the D.LEAGUE. However, I also believe that this is just one of many goals. I think it's also my job to create goals for the team. We have a highly skilled team, so I want to constantly think about how to utilize their skills. Personally, I try to "Be over Do." Rather than focusing on "Do"—what kind of person I am and what kind of world I live in—I focus on what kind of life I want to live in. I believe that keeping this in mind when deciding how to act today will enrich both my feelings and my environment. My "Be" is to "be sincere" in everything I do. I will continue to work steadily to create a society where everyone can dance, so please support me. I encourage all university students to start thinking about "Be"!
(Miyata Ayako, second-year student at Tsuda University)

BOBBY 『SEGA SAMMY LUX』

Dancer/Producer. Founding leader of the legendary dance group "JSB." Currently a member of "JSBunderground." Having started dancing in the late '80s, Bobby has consistently presented cutting-edge, cutting-edge dance since the early '90s, becoming a legendary dancer who continues to reign at the pinnacle of Japan's street scene and new school. Bobby is also a Black fashion icon, leading the club culture and hip-hop fashion scenes and generating many followers. His school has produced many famous dancers, including members of EXILE TRIBE, who are currently active at the forefront of both the mainstream and underground scenes. He is truly an influencer and iconic dancer in the scene, with many followers beyond the dance world.

The reason I decided to participate in D.LEAGUE was because I was chosen. There are countless dance teams, but the reason they are chosen is because they are not your average dance team but rather a large crew with dozens of members. This time, our team members from SEGA SAMMY LUX are eight members selected from the large group JSB Underground. They are all strong dancers, so it will be a tough challenge, but since we have been given the opportunity to participate in D.LEAGUE, we will focus on winning and aim to win. I also want to promote D.LEAGUE, not just focus on winning or losing. I am the oldest of the participants this time, and I have been dancing for over 30 years. I feel that it is difficult for dancers to break into the mainstream scene, such as the entertainment industry, and there is a barrier. I am often treated as a backup dancer, and inevitably end up in the minor scene. I hope that this D.LEAGUE will be an opportunity to help bring together the minor and major scenes.
I also believe that in the future, dance will become more accessible to people who are not dancers, and that is why we want to work together, not only with ourselves but also with our rival teams, to promote D.LEAGUE and spread the appeal of dance even further. Students from famous dance clubs often come to my dance lessons, but many university students think of dance as a club activity, and many quit dancing once they graduate. This is such a waste. I believe that if you love something, and not just dance, you should continue doing it outside of work. I myself want to continue dancing, which I love, until the day I die. I encourage all university students to continue doing what they love and not give up.
(Taichi Nyoi, 4th year student at Komazawa University)

akihic☆彡 “SEPTENI RAPTURES”

He began dancing at the age of 12 and has developed his own unique dance style, mastering a variety of genres. He has won numerous contests and battles, and is active in a wide range of fields, including appearing in commercials, choreographing for artists, backing dance, and performing on stage. He is also a producer for the apparel brand "acSTARR TOKYO" and a DJ under the name "DJ AKKIE," making him a one-of-a-kind entertainer who shares his unique style in dance, fashion, and music. In October 2017, he founded the dance company "BIG CHEESE company!!", which he produces entirely himself. His constant evolution and continued presence at the forefront of the dance world make him a force to be reckoned with.

After making my major debut with Beat Boddy Boi and graduating three years ago, I wanted to one day inspire the younger generation, paving the way for them to shine. When I heard about D.LEAGUE, I immediately decided to participate, thinking it could be a place where dancers can make their dreams come true and potentially contribute to raising the value of the industry. Winning D.LEAGUE's first championship is a must. While I'm not the oldest among the competitors, I want to share the 27 years of dance experience I've cultivated with the leaguers. I want to use my experience to add a unique flavor to the team and create a unique and compelling performance with each match. Rather than focusing on the present, I hope to envision a future where, as D.LEAGUE grows in scale, children will think, "If we practice under Coach akihic☆彡, we'll definitely win!"
Many dancers strive to be one-of-a-kind in order to establish their own style, but I think that's a bit of a waste. I don't want them to be fixated on creating something from nothing on their own. I think it's good to absorb the good parts of those around you, mix various colors, and ultimately create your own original 'individuality'. So instead of making assumptions from the start, I want them to see and experience many different things, gain experience, and build themselves up while absorbing things flexibly. This will surely be useful when they enter society.
(Reon Kitajima, 2nd year Bunkyo University)

HAL "Benefit one MONOLIZ"

She began studying rhythmic gymnastics, jazz, musicals, and theater at the age of three, and began learning street dance and other genres in elementary school. Since her childhood, she has won numerous contests and battles. She also organizes dance and fashion shows and parties in Japan, NYC, and other parts of Asia, and has been active overseas for many years as a dance performer, judge, and fashion model. She is active in a wide range of fields, including choreography, artist backup, and musical choreography. She currently focuses on the three genres of jazz, vogue, and heels, and has been a member of the NYC Vogue team for five years. She is currently expanding her solo activities.

I used to perform as a dancer in a team, but as I grew older, I felt that there were fewer opportunities to challenge myself with large groups of people. When I heard about D.LEAGUE, I thought that if it could be a good opportunity for the younger generation, I would like to give it another try, so I accepted. Dance has not yet spread to the general public. I would like to promote it so that more people in the general public will become interested, and I would be happy if D.LEAGUE can be that catalyst.
Of course, we want to win, but more than that, we think it's important for many people in the general public to see our dance. I hope that this will increase our fan base. Also, the vogue genre we incorporated this time was born out of genderless culture, regardless of gender. I hope that through dance we can create an opportunity to think about sexuality and spread greater understanding. Also, since we have members who have been together for a long time and new members, we want to improve the level of our dancing together, and also develop each member so that they can stand out individually when we dance together. I think this opportunity will increase the attention each of us will get, so I hope that we will have more opportunities to shine individually in the future.
As a university student, you are surrounded by a lot of information every day, and I'm sure there are many things you can do and want to do. However, rather than doing it bit by bit within your capabilities, I would like you to see anything that you are even slightly interested in through to the end. I hope that you will gradually increase the number of things that you feel you want to continue doing, and one day find a job that will connect you to that. What you have done will definitely be an advantage. Persistence is power!
(Tatsuya Yasuda, second-year student at Chukyo University and Aki Kawanami, third-year student at Tsuda College)

Ruu "USEN-NEXT I'moon"

In 2016, she became the first Japanese to win the world's largest dance contest, "WORLD OF DANCE," and won for the second consecutive year in 2017. She has performed in various countries around the world, including "Britain's Got Talent," "Asia's Got Talent," and the International Film Festival of India. She has choreographed for artists such as AKB48, IZ*ONE, GFRIEND, fromis-9, and Hinatazaka46. She has also worked on stage productions and musicals.

I have trained many female dancers up until now, but K-pop is currently popular in Japan, and I feel frustrated that Japanese J-pop is losing out. I wanted to create a new history as a Japanese dance performance that could beat K-pop, so I decided to enter D.LEAGUE. I also wanted to create a team with strong artistic qualities that could convey the beauty of dance to people who are unfamiliar with dance,
I created I'moon on USEN-NEXT. I want people all over Japan to know about I'moon, and I want them to grow into a team that girls who dance will dream of and look up to. My goal is to make them a representative artist group in Japan. I'm very grateful to have been given another chance in Japan to use my skills and experience abroad. I also serve as a tourism embassy for my hometown of Fukushima, so I would like to give back to Fukushima and be involved in major national events.
I think being a university student is the biggest turning point in your life. I want you to face what you truly want to do and make a choice you won't regret. It may not be easy, but if you put your all into it, you can definitely become what you want to be. What do you need to do to achieve that? You should think clearly about this and spend time on your future. I believe that how you use your time can make a big difference in your future, so I want you to live your life to the fullest and honestly so that you don't have any regrets.
(Ohashi Seinan, 3rd year, Nihon University and Kojima Naomi, 2nd year, Toyo University)

TWIGGZ “JUN” “FULLCAST RAISERZ”

A pioneer who brought KRUMP, which originated in LA, to Japan and laid the foundation for KRUMP in Japan.
He is a member of the FAMILY of Tight Eyez, the founder of KRUMP, and leads the Japanese KRUMP scene with ⓇAG POUND and Twiggz Fam, performing in dance contests and battles around the world.
He has won top titles and is renowned as a choreographer, nurturing and producing many top artists and performers, and his skills and achievements are recognized worldwide.

The 10 D-Leaguers selected by director JUN possess exceptional talent and power, and their well-trained bodies will captivate with a flawless performance. Centered around "Twiggz Fam," Japan's top KRUMP artist group representing KRUMP, and including members well versed in BREAKING, this physical, fighting group can compete on the world stage. KRUMP's unique expressions and passion are their greatest weapons! With unity as their motto, they will compete with energetic, soulful dance and captivating performances.
Please look forward to our future activities!